Honey roasted parsnips are the ultimate side dish, combining natural sweetness with the savoury crunch of Maldon Sea Salt flakes. Perfect for Sunday roasts, holiday meals, or as a comforting addition to any dinner, this easy recipe will have your parsnips golden and caramelized in no time.
This classic recipe combines the earthy flavour of parsnips with the delightful sweetness of runny honey, enhanced by a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Simple yet sophisticated, these roasted parsnips are an irresistible addition to your holiday feast.
The secret to achieving perfectly roasted parsnips lies in the balance of flavours and textures. Tossing the parsnips in olive oil ensures a golden, crisp exterior, while the honey adds a glossy finish and subtle sweetness. The use of Maldon Sea Salt, with it’s distinctive flaky texture, elevates the dish with burst of savoury delight, and the freshly ground black pepper provided just the right amount of warmth and depth. Whether paired with a hearty roast duck or a vegetarian main, these honey roasted parsnips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them a must-have for any Christmas celebration.
How to make honey roasted parsnips
- Preheat the oven to 200C.
- Top and tail the parsnips and cut into wedges.
- Drizzle over the honey and olive oil along with a good pinch of Maldon Sea Salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
- Give the parsnips a good mix up and roast for about 40 minutes, or until the parsnips are golden and tender.
- Remember to turn them halfway through cooking.
Tips for the best honey roasted parsnips
Here are some tips to ensure your honey roasted parsnips are absolutely perfect!
- Choose the right parsnips
Look for firm, medium-sized parsnips with smooth skin. You should avoid overly large ones as they can be woody in the centre and not soft, which is what you want when roasting.
2. Parboil for extra tenderness
You can parboil parsnips in a pan of hot water for 3-4 minutes before roasting. This step helps softens the centres, ensuring a creamy interior while achieving a crisp exterior in the oven.
3. Use high-quality ingredients
Use extra virgin olive oil, runny honey, and Maldon Sea Salt flakes for the best flavour. High-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference.
4. Don’t overcrowd the baking tray or roasting tray
Arrange the parsnips in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding the parsnips traps steam, making them less crispy!
5. Garnish for extra appeal
Just before serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a pop of colour and an aromatic boost.
Why Maldon Salt enhances honey roasted parsnips
Maldon Sea Salt enhances honey roasted parsnips by adding both texture and flavour that elevate the dish to a new level. Here’s why it works so well:
- Flaky texture
Maldon Sea Salt’s distinctive pyramid-shaped flakes provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior and caramelized exterior of the roasted parsnips. This textural balance makes each bite more satisfying.
2. Bright, clean flavour
Unlike table salt, Maldon Salt has a clean, pure salinity that doesn’t overpower. It’s gentle saltiness accentuates the natural sweetness of the honey and the earth flavour of the parsnips without masking them.
3. Pops of flavour
Because of it’s flaky structure, Maldon Salt dissolves slowly. This creates ‘pops’ of saltiness that amplify the flavour of the honey and olive oil glaze, making the dish more dynamic and exciting.
